Philadelphia refinery could close for good. More here:
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Energy Solutions will seek to permanently shut its oil refinery in the city after a massive fire caused substantial damage to the complex, the company confirmed on Wednesday, a day after sources told Reuters about the plans.
Workers at the complex were leaving the refinery on Wednesday, some escorted by security, others alone, carrying boxes with personal belongings to their cars, with several confirming they had been laid off. Employees have been instructed to immediately begin the process of mothballing units, sources familiar with the company’s plans said.
The 335,000 barrel-per-day complex, in a densely populated area in the southern part of the city, erupted in flames early on Friday in a series of explosions that could be heard miles away. The cause of the fire remained unknown, though city fire officials said it started in a butane vat around 4 a.m. EDT . It destroyed a 30,000-bpd alkylation unit that uses hydrofluoric acid to process refined products. Had the acid caught fire, it could have resulted in a vapor cloud that can damage the skin, eyes and lungs of nearby residents.
It went through a bankruptcy process last year to reduce debt, but cash on hand dwindled even after it emerged from bankruptcy last summer. The blaze was the second in two weeks at the complex, spurring the mayor to call for a task force to look into the cause and community outreach in the wake of the incidents. That task force will now be retooled to focus on helping the company transition the site of the refinery and supporting employees affected, Kenney said in his statement.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Exclusive: Philadelphia Energy Solutions seeks to permanently shut oil refinery - sourcesPhiladelphia Energy Solutions (PES) is expected to seek to permanently shut its ...
Read more »
Philadelphia refiner pre-paid employee vacation in advance of layoffs: sourcesPhiladelphia Energy Solutions overnight pre-paid some employees vacation compens...
Read more »
Before fire, Philadelphia refinery scaled back big maintenance project: sourcesPhiladelphia Energy Solutions dramatically scaled back a large maintenance proje...
Read more »
Refinery shutdown could raise gas prices in the northeastern USGas prices in the northeast could rise after Philadelphia Energy Solutions announced it's closing the largest oil refinery on the East Coast.
Read more »
Closing of explosion-damaged refinery could send gas prices higher just in time for July 4 holidayThe shutdown of the fire-damaged Philadelphia Energy Solutions refining complex could send gasoline prices higher across the U.S., but particularly in the mid-Atlantic region where they could spike temporarily.
Read more »
https://people.com/Get the latest news about celebrities, royals, music, TV, and real people. Find exclusive content, including photos and videos, on PEOPLE.com.
Read more »